"Yes," came the tones of the orator through the high grass, yes, to this state have we Americans been reduced! Not satisfied with having ravaged our country, conquering BUT NOT SUBDUING our Confederate government, the enemy has put over us a CARPET-BAG government of northern adventurers and southern scalawags and NIGGERS. Fifty niggers sit as representatives of our state in the legislature of Florida, and vote in a solid body for whichever party pays them their price. They are giving away our state lands to monopolists, and we have tax bills like THIS one imposed upon us." Here the orator paused, apparently taking a paper from his pocket. "Here it is," he resumed, "in black and white. On a wild piece of forest land, and a few acres of clearing, (which they appraise at twenty-five cents, when it cost me only six cents and a quarter per acre,) I was saddled with this outrageous bill. I will read to you the several items: MR. L. H................................. DR. To State Taxes proper,----- .70 on - - $100.00 General Sinking Fund,----- .30 " - - 100.00 Special Sinking Fund,----- .16 " - - 100.00 General School Tax,------- .10 " - - 100.00 _______________________ Total State Tax,-- 1.26 " - - 100.00 To County Tax proper,----- .50 " - - 100.00 County School Tax,------- .50 " - - 100.00 Special County Building Tax,.35 " - - 100.00 County Specific Tax,---- 2.00 " - - 100.00 _______________________ Total County Tax,--- 3.35 " - - 100.00 Total State and County Tax,$4.61 on- - 100.00 "You will find by these figures that I am compelled to pay a state and county tax, on an over-appraised property, amounting to four dollars and sixty-one cents upon every one hundred dollars I possess. Under this kind of taxation we are growing poorer every day of our lives. Now, gentlemen, can you censure me for detesting the Carpet-bag government of my native state after you have heard this statement? Rome in days of tyranny did no such injustice to her citizens. To be a Roman was greater than to be a king; and here let me remark-- Bob Squash! what's that you are squinting at through the grass?" "Lor' sakes, Massa Hampton, I does b'lieve it's a man in a sort of a boat. I nebber see de like befo'!"